1989 BMW 850 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. (276 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 308 kg more than 1989 BMW 850.
Because 1989 BMW 850 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1989 BMW 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 850 | 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 11.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1563 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4868 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1487 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2803 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
